gift ideas
Question
My mom lives on the other side of the country but I want to do something special for her. Any thoughts?
Ingrid's Answer
Starting out by taking a pretty box, and decorating it with either family pictures on top or some photocopied old letters; mementos of a lifetime of the family together. I would suggest photocopying everything instead of using the originals, and covering the box completely as if it was wrapping paper. You should look for a really nice, sturdy box so that she could probably later, besides the contents inside it, use it to put jewelry away or scarves, etc.
Question
My daughter just had her first child and will be celebrating her first Mother's Day. Do you have any good gift ideas?
Ingrid's Answer
Probably taking over for her for the day, and sending her off to a spa. That would help her relax and possibly also catch up on her sleep if she's got some hours to herself. You can also make an album of your most special moments for her to pass on. The nursery rhyme you first taught her; a CD of the songs you used to sing to her.
Question
My sister is a single mom and I want to do something special for her. Any ideas?
Ingrid's Answer
Try what I suggested above. Give her the day off. Take care of the baby or child, give her a spa treatment. Or better yet—set her up on a blind date and take care of the kids. Hopefully, that will work.
Question
What kind of flowers are appropriate to give to my boss for Mother's Day?
Ingrid's Answer
Something that would definitely not say romantic, but would say pretty, and happy day. So, perhaps some nice tulips, or a pretty bunch of wild spring or summer flowers. If sunflowers are available in your area now for Mother's Day, then definitely that would make a nice statement. I would not do roses, to me they are more romantic still. Or perhaps a pretty plant instead of a bunch of flowers. If she likes to cook or he likes to cook, perhaps a potted herb garden in a medium pot with some cilantro, rosemary, basil, any herbs. You can often find them in your supermarket; you just transplant them into a bigger pot and keep them in the corner of your kitchen.
Question
I want to give favor bags to the kids at our Cinco de Mayo party. Any suggestions?
Ingrid's Answer
Fill some fun, brightly-colored bags with lots of different M&M'S® Brand Chocolate Candies, SKITTLES® Brand Bite Size Candies, any or all of the minis available. There's also the 3 MUSKETEERS® Mint Chocolate Minis. Close it with a pretty ribbon, you can add some plastic small maracas, perhaps some plastic whistles. The important part is going to be the candy.